Warfighting, Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) - 1

Warfighting, Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 1, is the United States Marine Corps principle doctrinal publication. Warfighting presents the philosophical framework for maneuver warfare drawing heavily from the ideas of German military philosopher, Carl von Clausewitz, and ancient Chinese military philosopher, Sun Tsu.

Development

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In 1989, General Alfred M. Gray directed the drafting of Fleet Marine Force Manual (FMFM) 1 - Warfighting by Captain John Schmitt.[1] In his forward, General Gray charged all Marines with reading this book.

In April 1996, General Paul K. Van Riper, then commander of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, introduced the concept of a new set of publications known as Marine Corps Doctrinal Publications (MCDP). These new publications would become the highest of the three Marine Corps publication levels, the second being Marine Corps Warfighting Publications (MCWP) and the third being Marine Corps Reference Publications (MCRP). FMFM-1 was redesignated MCDP-1 and established the top position in the hierarchy of publications.[2]

Contents

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The book consists of a Foreward (written by General Charles Krulak - 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps), a Preface (written by General Gray - 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps), and four chapters titled:

Chapter 1 - The Nature of War

Chapter 2 - The Theory of War

Chapter 3 - Preparing for War

Chapter 4 - The Conduct of War

Each chapter provides broad concepts and ideas for Marines to apply in maneuver warfare.

References

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Sources

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  • [www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/service_pubs/mcdp1.pdf MCDP-1 Warfighting]. Marine Corps Combat Development Command.
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